The University of Tennessee Department of Nuclear Engineering

Prof. G. Ivan Maldonado traveled with five NE PhD to the recent American Nuclear Society's annual meeting in Denver, CO. These students presented their research in traditional fission topics such as criticality safety and nuclear fuel management, as well as studies of isotopic depletion, activation, shutdown dose rates, and waste characterization for fusion systems.

The group includes (left to right): Yogesh Panchal, Nikolas Nelson, Dr. Maldonado, Felipe Novais (2023 PhD graduate now with TypeOne Energy), Son Quang, Lam "Mark" Nguyen, and James Carnal.

Last month, UT's Department of Nuclear Engineering celebrated the accomplishments of our at the annual NE Awards Banquet! Congratulations to all those recognized for their outstanding work and achievements. 🧡

Congratulations to Jamie Porter, who has received the inaugural Katz Alumnus Award from the UT's Department of Nuclear Engineering! Porter was the first Black woman to graduate from UT’s nuclear engineering department. 👏

Porter was recognized for her outstanding contributions to radiation effects in space environments and for her active engagement in developing the next generation of nuclear scientists.

Full Story 🔗 https://bit.ly/4dUbEaK

Congratulations to Harold Conner Jr. (BS ’68, MS ’78) on his induction to the 2026 Department of Nuclear Engineering Hall of Fame. 👏

Conner has more than five decades of experience in the nuclear industry with the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration. He has also served on the UT NE Board of Advisors, the Tickle College of Engineering Board of Advisors, the Alumni Board of Directors, and the AIChE Board of Directors. Learn more about Conner and his legacy at the link in comments!

https://bit.ly/4uqqJYu

Congratulations to all our wonderful NE who graduated this past week! NE is excited to see the impact our students will have on the nuclear engineering industry. 🧡 👏 🎓

The Nuclear Engineering Department had a wonderful time celebrating Dr. Jamie Coble, expressing our gratitude for her years of dedication as a professor and associate department head. NE and our are wishing her all the best on her exciting new adventure. 🧡

Congratulations to NE Emma Houston, who’s celebrating the completion of her PhD at this week’s doctoral hooding ceremony! Way to go, Emma! 🎓✨

Eight years ago, Emma Houston arrived at UT with a clear vision of her future: explore a career involving science and government policy. Houston knew UT’s Department of Nuclear Engineering could help her accomplish her educational goals and grow as a person.

This week, Houston will take part in the doctoral hooding ceremony for completing her PhD in nuclear engineering, following the completion of her bachelor’s degree in 2022 and her master’s degree in 2023. The University of Tennessee Department of Nuclear Engineering

Learn more about Houston's journey as an 🎓 https://bit.ly/4dgaHZV

NE Assistant Professor Kondapa Naidu Bobba has been selected to receive the 2026 Young Investigator Award. 🏆 The reward will support Bobba's research in radiopharmaceutical therapies to improve the outcomes for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Congratulations!

Learn more about the honor 🔗 https://bit.ly/3PfDl5k